The end of the world is rarely a beautiful thing. Bastion bucks the trend with a story-rich, action role-playing adventure set in a colorful fantasy landscape that easily makes for one of the most visually striking post-apocalyptic tales I've ever encountered. But the unusual way this quest to salvage the remnants of humanity unfolds is even more memorable than its stunning design. Nearly every action you make -- from simple combat maneuvers to the choices you make as you play -- elicits a clever narrative response that ties the magical journey together in a very personal way.

One of last year’s most successful and beloved games from a small studio, Bastion is now available for Mac via the Mac App Store and Steam, and the extra layover has done nothing to diminish the colorful action game’s considerable charms.